Join us on a 160 km round-trip departing on Saturdays and Sundays at 07h45 from Cape Town. Our destination is the Art Deco “Elgin Railway Market,” an exceptional market experience.

The journey departs from Harbour Bridge Platform (close to the Cape Town International Convention Centre), and meanders through Cape Town and its surrounds until reaching the majestic Sir Lowrys Pass. Arriving at the foot of the pass, the train embarks on an epic climb up one of the steepest railway lines in South Africa. Cresting the peak, the train snakes it way into the lush Elgin Valley before arriving at the Elgin Railway Market.

Onboard our train, guests can enjoy the wonderful scenery from various seating options whilst sipping on drinks from our fully licensed cash bar, or snacking in our dining car. The service is suited to all ages and promises to be an experience to never forget.

SEATING OPTIONS AVAILABLE

Bar Lounge Seating (R860)

No Passengers under 18

Family Coupè (R1,725)

2 adults & 2 children

Observation Car (R975)

Groups 15 to 28 max

ELGIN RAILWAY MARKET

The Elgin Railway Market is housed within an old apple warehouse converted into a bustling Steampunk, Art Deco market boasting local food and craft vendors, live music and is the gateway to the beautiful Elgin Valley.

The original building was built in the 1940’s by Italian POW’s. The concrete tapered columns and curved box gutters bear testimony to the skill of those bygone craftsmen. It has been extensively renovated into a showpiece well worth a visit.

MARKET TRADING HOURS

Mondays – Fridays
Steam Coffee Shop: 08h00–16h00

Wednesdays
Limited selection food vendors: 16h00–20h30
Bar – Beer and Wine: 16h00–20h30

Fridays
Limited selection food vendors: 16h00–20h30
Bar – Beer and Wine: 16h00–20h30

Saturdays
Full Market: 09h00–16h00

Sundays
Full Market: 09h00–16h00

TRAIN INFORMATION

The Ceres Rail company with their stable of 80 year old steam trains operate a Cape Town to Elgin weekend return trip. The trains arrival is a must-see for children (and adults) as they roar in with thunderous whistling, puffing and hooting. Visitors to the market can greet the train on the station platform or view its arrival from the Market’s leisure deck overlooking the railway platform.

The Ceres Rail company with their stable of 80 year old steam trains operate a Cape Town to Elgin weekend return trip. The trains arrival is a must-see for children (and adults) as they roar in with thunderous whistling, puffing and hooting. Visitors to the market can greet the train on the station platform or view its arrival from the Market’s leisure deck overlooking the railway platform.

Trip Duration: 10 hours 15 minutes
Inclusions: Train Trip
Exclusions: Goods for sale at the Elgin Railway Market

Departure Point: The train platform at Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites, Dockrail Rd, Foreshore, Cape Town

Ceres Rail Company offers a magnificent return trip to the Elgin Railway Market aboard our historic passenger train. Our train is usually hauled by a heritage steam locomotive and a diesel, but at times, due to the fire risk and other events beyond our control, the trip may be hauled by two diesel locomotives.

The journey begins at 07h45 from the platform at Harbour Bridge Hotel and Suites, Dockrail Road, Foreshore, Cape Town. Once aboard you will enjoy a 3-hour rail experience to Elgin, traveling through the beautiful Cape, up the majestic Sir Lowry’s Pass, and then down into the Elgin Valley. We have a fully licensed cash bar on board as well as a dining car providing coffee and other snacks. Various books and memorabilia are also available for purchase onboard. We also have a card machine to make life easier.

Our destination is the fabulous Art Deco & Art Nouveau inspired Elgin Railway Market where you will spend a few hours at your leisure. At the market, whilst enjoying the live music, you can wander through the many stalls offering delicious food, a wide selection of local wines, ciders and gin. Various bespoke craft stalls selling a wide range of goods including jewellery, leather goods, wire art, etc are also on site.
There is a wonderful play area outside for the children to enjoy too. (www.elginrailwaymarket.co.za).
We depart from Elgin at 14h15 , arriving back Cape Town at approximately 18h15.

07h45 Depart from platform at Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites (33.9135° S, 18.4260° E), Dockrail Rd, Foreshore, Cape Town
11h15 Arrive in Elgin
14h15 Departure from Elgin
18:15 Arrive back in Cape Town
We are so excited to have you on board!

  • Provider Ceres Rail Company
  • Duration 10 hours 15 minutes
  • When The service is available all year round, generally operating on Saturdays and Sundays.
  • Where The train platform at Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites, Dockrail Rd, Foreshore, Cape Town
  • Weather This service runs in all weather conditions.
  • What to Wear Comfortable clothing. Closed footwear is advised.
  • Things to Bring Cash or Cards for goods sold on the train and at the market. A jersey or light-jacket should the weather change.
  • Guests or Spectators
  • Minimum Age 0 years
  • Minimum Height 0.0 m
  • Maximum Height 0.0 m
  • Fitness Level No Fitness Requirement
  • Qualifications Not Applicable
  • Maximum Weight 0.0 kg
  • Certification None Required
  • Experience Level No Experience Requirement
  • InclusionsThe rail journey from Cape Town to Elgin Railway Market (Elgin) and back.
    Unforgettable memories
  • Exclusions Food, Drinks, all personal purchases are for your own account. We do have a card machine on board.
  • For information regarding wheelchair access, please email bookings@ceresrail.co.za
  • We do not permit own food or drinks on board, but we do allow baby foods and items related to health conditions
  • No smoking is permitted.

HISTORY

Traveltime is an authorized ticket vendor for Ceres Rail & Atlantic Rail tour Bookings

On 29th April 2018 Traveltime was fortunate to secure seats on the inaugural Ceres Rail vintage steam train to the newly established Elgin Railway Market. What a great trip this was! See our report & Photos

The April week-end trips (yes there were 2) were a first for Elgin, to celebrate the opening of this unique market, at the same time as the Elgin Cool Wine & Country Food Festival. After the Festival the market was closed to the public to complete work within the building.The market re-opened in June, after adding finishing touches and installing additional clients and more eateries. These trips will now become a fixture in the Ceres Rail calendar.

Upcoming day trips are scheduled on the above dates.

So, join this “blast from the past” by enjoying a relaxed train trip through breathtaking Cape scenery and experience the modern Railway Market for a few hours in Elgin.

Tell us which date you prefer and how many passengers you want to book. We will do the rest.

You can pay by EFT or credit card, the choice is yours.
(This site accepts bookings by Credit & some debit cards.
For EFT payments please contact us directly by email:  brian@traveltime.co.za to allow us to process the booking),

Need Help? Chat with us